Lionel Regnier (59)

Profile

Name
Lionel Regnier

Born
August 13th 1959

Nationality
French

Country of entry
France

Lionel Regnier was the second GGR Special Invitational entrant. The professional French yachtsman has made 23 transatlantic crossings during the past in 30 years. The former maths teacher became a professional skipper in 1985, and has since completed three Mini 6.50 races before graduating to Class 40 race boats and competing in the Quebec-Saint-Malo, Solidaire du Chocolat, Les Sables-Horta, Transat Jacques Vabre and Route du Rhum races. Lionel is the second of five entrants to be awarded a Special Invitation place in the GGR and has purchased a Rustler 36 class yacht – the same type chosen by fellow Frenchmen Philippe Pache and Jean-Luc van den Heede.

Boat

Lionel Regnier’s Rustler 36 class yacht is aptly named One and All. Like Jean-Luc van den Heede, Lionel is based in La Sables d’Olonne, and the two are working together to prepare their yachts for the GGR. One and All was prominently displayed the 2016 Vendee Globe Race village where she, Lionel and Jean-Luc attracted considerable public attention. Immediately after the Vendee start, One and All began a major refit with new mast, sails and rigging on the agenda. She is also having a watertight bulkhead fitted, closing off the forward cabin. Once this work is completed, Regnier and Van den Heede intend to train together and work up their identical yachts in readiness for the GGR start in June 2018.